CHARLESTON, S.C. - The Cougars only led for 2:37 of the game, but it was all the College of Charleston men's basketball team needed to defeat Kent State 74-72 on Wednesday night in TD Arena.

With 23 seconds left in the game, a driving Reyne Smith found an open Jaylon Scott in the corner for a chance to take the lead. Scott delivered, nailing the shot from behind the arc to give the Cougars the 74-72 edge. Kent State was able to get one last three of their own up but could not get it to fall, sealing the thrilling comeback with for Charleston. The Cougars only held one other lead in the second half by just one point at 56-55. That advantage lasted for just over a minute after a pair of Pat Robinson III free throws.

The contest marked the first time this season the Cougars trailed at the break. It was also the first time the Cougars were down by double-digits in the first frame, powering through to overcome an 11-point deficit before the break.

Key Cougars

• Babacar Faye set a new career-high with three block, topping his previous high of one.
• Three players were in double-digits for tonight's matchup. Ryan Larson led Charleston with 16 points, followed by Faye with 12 and Dalton Bolon with 11. 
• Larson was perfect in the first half, going 4-4 from the field and 3-3 from three-point range

Game Note

• The Cougars, who are receiving votes in both national polls, hand Kent State their first loss of the season. 

Up Next

• Charleston returns to action on November 29 when they host Old Dominion in TD Arena. Action is set for 7:00 p.m.
• The Monarchs are familiar with TD Arena having played in the 2022 Charleston Classic a week ago.